Below, Coeffeur a la Romaine, Robe de Percale, from Costume Parisien, 1816
When I first attempted to immerse myself in Regency Data, of course I had no idea what I was getting myself into! Did any of us? I fell in love with regency novels so long ago I can't remember when. No doubt my first introduction was Jane Austen, which I read in high school and college as required novels in English Literature. I wasn't in love yet, though I doted on Austen and became a Janeite.
I fell in love with Georgette Heyer's Regency Romances, which made me appreciate Jane Austen even more. And the new ones, some published by people I actually knew! Sharon and Tom Curtis wrote some wonderful novels as Laura London...a few years ago???
Learning everything I could about the Regency Era, its history, culture, lifestyles, and fashion became my obsession.
Ackermann's Repository, Half-Dress,February, 1809, Above.
While traveling in England, I found some fashion plates in various print shops. I bought some, framed them, and hung them above my desk for inspiration.
While traveling in England, I found some fashion plates in various print shops. I bought some, framed them, and hung them above my desk for inspiration.
From Ackermann's Repository, April 1810 Gentleman's Full Dress
From the text: "Superfine corbeau colour coat, with covered buttons; white marcella waistcoat singe-breasted; light sage-green or cream-colored kerseymere breeches...the cravat is still worn high and full."
From the text: "Superfine corbeau colour coat, with covered buttons; white marcella waistcoat singe-breasted; light sage-green or cream-colored kerseymere breeches...the cravat is still worn high and full."
I also discovered ebay and the many prints available there, for a wide variety of prices. Now I have many more than I can display, so they are in acid-free sleeves in notebooks.
Afternoon Promenade Dress La Belle Assemblee June, 1813
“Short dress of jaconet muslin, made rather scantier in the skirt than they have been worn, and cut down as much a possible all round the bosom and back of the neck. The body is full, but drawn in at the top of the back, which is ornamented with a white silk button, and confined to the waist by a girdle of rich white figured ribband; a jacket of the same materials as the gown, fastened to the waist by a white silk button, completes this truly elegant dress, which is unequalled for tasteful simplicity. Over this our fair pedestrians throw a sky-blue scarf...Necklace and earrings of white cornelian. Johnston parasol. This elegant appendage to the walking costume is also of sky-blue silk, and finished with a rich and deep fringe; it has very recently made its appearance, and is already a general favourite.”
“Short dress of jaconet muslin, made rather scantier in the skirt than they have been worn, and cut down as much a possible all round the bosom and back of the neck. The body is full, but drawn in at the top of the back, which is ornamented with a white silk button, and confined to the waist by a girdle of rich white figured ribband; a jacket of the same materials as the gown, fastened to the waist by a white silk button, completes this truly elegant dress, which is unequalled for tasteful simplicity. Over this our fair pedestrians throw a sky-blue scarf...Necklace and earrings of white cornelian. Johnston parasol. This elegant appendage to the walking costume is also of sky-blue silk, and finished with a rich and deep fringe; it has very recently made its appearance, and is already a general favourite.”
La Belle Assemblee, June 1809, Kensington Garden Dress
I am not sure how this cloak is attached. The dress is very plain except for the hemline, and the hat is outrageous.
I am not sure how this cloak is attached. The dress is very plain except for the hemline, and the hat is outrageous.
The Waterloo Dress in Black and White to mourn the dead. La belle Assemblee
July 1815. From the magazine:
“Waterloo Walking Dress
This very beautiful dress, which answers the double purpose of walking or dinner dress, is composed of clear muslin and is made in a most original and tasteful style: ...The body and sleeves, composed of an intermixture of black satin and clear muslin, are exquisitely fancied; they are made in a style of novelty, elegance, and simplicity which we never recollect being equalled in the mourning costume...Of the hat worn with this dress we can only observe that it is the most elegant and striking headdress ever invented for mourning; it is an intermixture of white satin and black crape, most tastefully ornamented with either black or white feathers...The above dress was invented by Mrs. Bell, Inventress of the Ladies Chapeau Bras and the Circassian Corset, and of whom only they can be had, at her Magazin des Modes, No. 26, Charlotte Street, Bedford-Square.”
July 1815. From the magazine:
“Waterloo Walking Dress
This very beautiful dress, which answers the double purpose of walking or dinner dress, is composed of clear muslin and is made in a most original and tasteful style: ...The body and sleeves, composed of an intermixture of black satin and clear muslin, are exquisitely fancied; they are made in a style of novelty, elegance, and simplicity which we never recollect being equalled in the mourning costume...Of the hat worn with this dress we can only observe that it is the most elegant and striking headdress ever invented for mourning; it is an intermixture of white satin and black crape, most tastefully ornamented with either black or white feathers...The above dress was invented by Mrs. Bell, Inventress of the Ladies Chapeau Bras and the Circassian Corset, and of whom only they can be had, at her Magazin des Modes, No. 26, Charlotte Street, Bedford-Square.”
I was lucky to acquire three volumes of bound LBAs from 1815 and 1816. Once I had read them several times each (well, not EVERY article) I was eager to donate them to a place where they would be protected. To me, the best spot was Chawton House Library in Chawton, Hampshire, UK.. Above, I am handing them to then-librarian Jacqui Grainger. Someday I will send over the rest of my collection.
Do you collect fashion plates? On paper? Or digitally? Nowadays it is possible to construct a superb collection -- right off Pinterest. Or try the websites/blogs/Facebook pages of experts and collectors like Candice Hern, Regency Encyclopedia, Rachel Knowles, Jane Austen’s World, E.K. Duncan, Susana Ellis, and others.
Do you collect fashion plates? On paper? Or digitally? Nowadays it is possible to construct a superb collection -- right off Pinterest. Or try the websites/blogs/Facebook pages of experts and collectors like Candice Hern, Regency Encyclopedia, Rachel Knowles, Jane Austen’s World, E.K. Duncan, Susana Ellis, and others.
RSS Feed